Cross compatible anchor plate adapter for chimneys

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure envisages an anchor plate adapter. The anchor plate adapter comprises two or more type of locking interfaces to facilitate mounting of different chimneys. One or more first locking interfaces is configured on the adapter, wherein the first locking interface is configured as opposing holes on an inner wall and an outer wall. The chimney is securely mounted on and locked by means of one or more fasteners. Additionally, one or more second locking interfaces are configured in form of protrusions extending outward from the outer wall. The second locking interface engages with the inner protruding member configured on an abutting surface of the outer tube when the adapter is oriented in a position within a female interface of the chimney, and the female interface is rotated with respect to the adapter.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an anchor plate adapter thatis cross compatible with multiple chimneys. Specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to the anchor plate adapter that allows chimneys withdifferent inner diameter and/or locking mechanism to be securelymounted.

Chimneys or flue gas vents are required in many structures to allowproper flow of gasses. Certain type of chimneys have a double tubeconstruction and are required to be able to withstand a specific amountof heat for a specified period of time in order to comply withresidential or commercial codes. A specific model or brand of chimneymay have a specific exterior dimension, interior dimension, lockingmechanism, and/or mounting interface which may urge for a need ofseparate anchor plate adapters. Conventionally, different anchor plateadapters are manufactured for different type of chimneys which increasesoperational cost and need to maintain adequate inventory.

The current disclosure seeks to solve the aforementioned deficiencies ofthe conventional techniques by providing a cross compatible anchor plateadapter that enables secure mounting of different chimneys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure envisages a cross-compatible anchor plateadapter. The anchor plate adapter comprises a first locking interfaceand a second locking interface. The first locking interface and thesecond locking interface employ different locking arrangements, whereinone of the first locking interface and the second locking interface isutilized to securely mount a chimney on the anchor plate adapter.

In an embodiment, the first locking interface comprises a pair ofopposing holes. The pair of opposing holes is configured on both anouter wall and an inner wall of the adapter. Further, one or morecomplementary holes are configured on the chimney that are aligned withthe pair of opposing holes to facilitate passage of a fastener forsecurely locking and mounting the chimney on the adapter.

In another embodiment, the second locking interface is configured on theouter wall in form of a protrusion. The second locking interface engageswith an inward protrusion configured on an abutting surface of thechimney.

In an embodiment, the inner wall of the adapter has a step profile thatprovides drip resistant contact with the chimney.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an anchor plate adaptercomprises a plurality of first locking interfaces and a plurality ofsecond locking interfaces. The plurality of first locking interfaces andthe plurality of second locking interfaces employ different lockingarrangements, wherein one of the first locking interfaces and the secondlocking interfaces are utilized for securely mounting a chimney on theanchor plate adapter.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an anchor plate adaptercomprises a plurality of locking interfaces, wherein each lockinginterface employ a different locking arrangement and at least one of theplurality of locking interfaces is utilized to securely mount a chimneyon the anchor plate adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosurewill become more apparent and better understood by referring to thedetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters identify correspondingelements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generallyindicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similarelements.

The novel features believed to be characteristic of aspects of thedisclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the description thatfollows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawingswith the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown inexaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity andconciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred modeof use, further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understoodby reference to the following detailed description of illustrativeaspects of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a masonry depicting installation of ananchor plate adapter;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an anchor plate adapter, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view depicting inner wall and outer wall of theanchor plate adapter of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view depicting a first chimney mounted on theanchor plate adapter of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view depicting mounting of the first chimneyof FIG. 4 on the anchor plate adapter, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a zoom-in view of FIG. 5 depicting female interface of thefirst chimney, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view depicting a second chimney mounted on theanchor plate adapter of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view depicting mounting of the secondchimney of FIG. 7 on the anchor plate adapter, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 9 is a zoom-in view of FIG. 8 depicting female interface of thesecond chimney, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the outer wall of the anchor plate adapter ofFIG. 3, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner wall of the anchor plate adapter ofFIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components thatfall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation.The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, it will beobvious to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail soas to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

For purposes of the disclosure, directional terms are expressedgenerally with relation to a standard frame of reference when thechimney or gas vent pipe and adapter are installed and in an in-useorientation.

Throughout the disclosure the term substantially may be used as modifierfor a geometric relationship between elements or for the shape of anelement or component. While the term substantially is not limited to aspecific variation and may cover any variation that is understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to be an acceptable variation, someexamples are provided as follows. In one example, the term substantiallymay include a variation of less than 10% of the dimension of the objector component. In another example, the term substantially may include avariation of less than 5% of the object or component. If substantiallyis used to define the angular relationship of one element to anotherelement, one non-limiting example of the term substantially may includea variation of 5 degrees or less. These examples are not intended to belimiting and may be increased or decreased based on the understanding ofacceptable limits to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Throughout the disclosure the terms flue or gas vent pipe, chimney, orgas flue may be used interchangeably. A flue or gas vent pipe mayinclude any pipe that allows for fluid flow. Some examples may includeexhaust pipes for the exhaust of fumes from a fireplace, furnace,heater, boiler, oven, cooktop or other cooking device; a dryer vent; anatural gas, propane stove, or heater vent, to name a few non-limitingexamples. The flue or gas vent pipe may have a circular, oval, square,rectangular, or any enclosed geometric shape. In some examples, chimney,flue, or gas vent pipe may be single tube or double tube.

The present disclosure relates to an anchor plate adapter that isenabled to facilitate mounting of chimneys with different innerdiameters and/or employing different locking mechanisms. The chimneyscompatible with the anchor plate adapter of the present disclosure canbe of different designs and/or from different manufacturers and/ormodels. Likewise, the anchor plate adapter may allow proper mounting ofchimneys that may not normally be possible as the conventional anchorplate adapters tend to be fabricated/manufactured for specific type ofchimneys. That is, the conventional anchor plate adapters wereapplication specific and not universal as they were not compatible withmultiple chimneys. For example, the mounting interface of each of thechimneys may have different connection interfaces, locking mechanisms,and/or may have differing geometry which would result in formation ofgaps with the anchor plate adapter. Amongst other advantages, the anchorplate adapter of the present disclosure may allow for a decrease in thebrands and/or types of anchor plate adapters that must be inventoried.The anchor plate adapter may further provide a drip resistant contactand high-temperature resistant seal. The drip resistant contact is adrip-free contact that prevents condensate dripping between an abuttingsurface of the chimney and the anchor plate adapter.

Referring to FIG. 1, an anchor plate adapter 100 provides a connectionbetween a masonry fireplace 108 and a chimney 102. The anchor plateadapter 100 is used as a template, centered over an outlet opening (notspecifically labelled). At least four bolts 106 are secured on the topof the masonry fireplace 108. Typically, the bolts 106 are 2 inches longwith diameter of around quarter of an inch. Initially, a bed of mortar110 is laid around the outlet opening, wherein the threaded ends of thebolts 106 protrude above the bed of mortar 110. Subsequently, the anchorplate adapter 100 is secured on the bed of mortar 110 by means of thebolts 106 and a washer and nut 104 for each bolt 106. The chimney 102 isplaced on the anchor plate adapter 100 and is secured by means of alocking arrangement/mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 11, an anchor plate adapter 200 (hereinafteralso referred as “adapter 200”) may be enabled to facilitate mounting ofa chimney 400, 700 (best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7) or a section of thechimney 400, 700. In an embodiment, the section of chimney 400, 700 thatis mounted on the adapter 200 is an operative bottom section of thechimney 400, 700. The adapter 200 of the present disclosure iscross-compatible and therefore, facilitates mounting of chimneysaffiliated with different brands.

In one example, the adapter 200 of the present disclosure may becompatible with a first chimney 400 (refer FIGS. 4 to 6) of a firstbrand and/or model having a first female interface 502. The firstchimney 400 may be an U1 chimney; or an Ultra-Temp® and/or Galva-Temp®chimney by Selkirk Corp., of Grand Rapids, Mich.

In another example, the adapter 200 may also be compatible with a secondchimney 700 (refer FIGS. 7 to 9) of a second brand and/or model having asecond female interface 802. In one non-limiting example, the secondchimney 700 may be a SuperVent® brand chimney by Selkirk Corp.

The first female interface 502 of the first chimney 400 and the secondfemale interface 802 of the second chimney 700 may employ differentlocking arrangements and mounting interfaces for mounting on the adapter200. Additionally, the inner diameters of both the first chimney 400 andthe second chimney 700 may be different. In one embodiment, the innerdiameter of the first female interface 502 may be different from theinner diameter of the second female interface 802. The anchor plateadapter 200 of the present disclosure enables mounting of either of thefirst chimney 400 or the second chimney 700 irrespective of havingdifferent inner diameters while ensuring a drip resistant contact/joint602 (best shown in FIGS. 6 and 9) with the first and second femaleinterfaces (502, 802) of the chimneys being mounted.

Although, the present disclosure focuses on two chimneys it is to beunderstood that the adapter 200 is cross-compatible with differentchimneys. The anchor plate adapter 200 is compatible with one of, butnot limited to, double tube chimneys, single tube chimneys, type B gasvents wherein inner tube and outer tube are curled together as anintegral unit.

In some embodiments, the adapter 200 may comprise an outer wall 202 andan inner wall 204. FIGS. 10 and 11 specifically depict the outer wall202 and the inner wall 204 of the anchor plate adapter 200 respectively.In one non-limiting embodiment, the adapter 200 may comprise two or morewalls. In another non-limiting embodiment, the adapter 200 may be asingle wall adapter.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the innerwall 204 and the outer wall 202 of the adapter 200 may be configured ina spaced apart configuration to accommodate one or more insulationlayers or insulators.

In an embodiment, the outer wall 202 comprises a top portion 1002 and abottom portion 1004 (shown in FIG. 10). A top flange 210 extends fromthe top portion 1002 of the outer wall 202, whereas a bottom flange 218extends from the bottom portion 1004 of the outer wall 202.Specifically, the top flange 210 extends from an operative top of thetop portion 1002 and the bottom flange 218 extends from an operativebottom of the bottom portion 1004. In an embodiment, the top flange 210and the bottom flange 218 are substantially parallel to each other whileboth extend in opposite directions. In an embodiment, the top flange 210defines a substantial portion of a top surface of the adapter 200.

The bottom flange 218 is secured to an adapter plate 216, also referredas a base plate. In an embodiment, the bottom flange 218 may be securedto the adapter plate 216 by means of spot welding or any other suitabletechnique(s).

In one embodiment, the diameter of the top portion 1002 is less than thediameter of the bottom portion 1004 thereby defining a notch 304 betweenthe top portion 1002 and the bottom portion 1004. The bottom portion1004 replicates a skirt portion extending from the top portion 1002.

In an embodiment, one or more first locking interfaces 302 is configuredon the adapter 200. The first locking interface 302 comprises one of apair of slots, a pair of slits, a pair of holes, a pair of cuts, or anycombination thereof. Preferably, the first locking interface 302 (bestshown in FIG. 3) may be the pair of opposing holes, wherein one hole ofthe pair may be configured on the outer wall 202 and another hole of thepair may be configured on the inner wall 204. In an embodiment, one holeof the pair of opposing holes is configured on the top portion 1002 ofthe outer wall 202. The first locking interface 302 facilitates passageof a fastener 208. In an embodiment, the fastener 208 may be Tek screw.It is to be noted that while only one first locking interface 302 islabeled in the FIG. 3, the anchor plate adapter 200 may include one ormore first locking interfaces 302. For an example, the anchor plateadapter 200 may include at least four first locking interfaces 302.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or morecomplementary holes (not specifically shown in the figures) may beconfigured on the female interface 502 of the first chimney 400.Specifically, the pair of opposing holes, i.e., the first lockinginterface 302 is aligned with one or more complementary holes configuredon the first chimney 400 to facilitate passage of the fastener 208,thereby locking and mounting the first chimney 400 on the adapter 200.In an embodiment, the fastener 208 may be selected from the groupconsisting of, but not limited to, a bolt, screw, pin, rivet, Tek screw,snap.

Alternatively, in another aspect of the present disclosure, the materialused for manufacturing the adapter 200 may enable usage of Tek screwswhich are self-drilling screws. An operator or a technician may secureor lock the first chimney 400 to be mounted on the adapter 200 by meansof Tek screws which may be drilled based on the position of thecomplementary holes on the first chimney 400 for reception of the Tekscrews. In this aspect, the first locking interfaces 302 may not berequired to be pre-fabricated on the adapter 200 at the time ofmanufacturing. In some embodiments, the first locking interface 302 maycomprise a marking indicating a weaken portion for reception of thefastener 208.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or moresecond locking interfaces 206 (best shown in FIGS. 2 and 10) may beconfigured on the top portion 1002 of the outer wall 202. The secondlocking interface 206 may be formed as a protrusion that extend outwardfrom the top portion 1002. It is to be noted that while only one or twoof the second locking interfaces 206 are labeled in the figures, theouter wall 202 may comprise one or more second locking interfaces 206.For example, the outer wall 202 may include eight second lockinginterfaces 206. The aforementioned eight second locking interfaces 206may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer wall 202.

In an embodiment, the second locking interface 206 may be formed as anelongated protrusion which may be curved. The second locking interface206 may have a shape selected from, but not limited to, square shape,rectangular shape, triangular shape, star shape, delta shape, polygonalshape, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the second locking interface 206 may have a shapethat is complementary to the shape of an inward protruding member 706(best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9) of the second chimney 700. In anembodiment, the number of second locking interfaces 206 may be lessthan, equal to, or greater than the inner protruding members 706.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, referring toFIG. 11, an inner surface of the adapter 200 comprises a step profile.Preferably, the inner wall 204 has a step profile, i.e., the inner wall204 comprises two or more portions wherein a diameter of a first portion1102 is greater than the diameter of a second portion 1104, and so on.In an embodiment, the first portion 1102 defines an operative topportion of the inner wall 204, the second portion 1104 defines anoperative middle portion of the inner wall 204, and a third portion 1106defines an operative lower portion of the inner wall 204. In anexemplary embodiment, the third portion 1106 of the inner wall 204extends below the adapter plate 216. In some embodiments, the thirdportion 1106 may be optional. In another embodiment, the third portion806 may facilitate mounting of a damper (not shown in figures).

Each of the first portion 1102, the second portion 1104, and the thirdportion 1106 are separated by one or more step risers 205. In anembodiment, the step riser 205 may be in form of an inclined surface orsubstantially perpendicular to the adjacent portions. Specifically, thestep profile of the inner wall 202 enables the adapter 200 to securelymount chimneys having different internal diameters.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 which depict mounting of the first chimney 400or a section of first chimney 400 on the anchor plate adapter 200 of thepresent disclosure. The first chimney 400 being mounted on the anchorplate adapter 200 comprises the first female interface 502. The firstfemale interface 502 is defined by a portion of the inner tube 404, aportion of the outer tube 402, one or more pairs of complementary holes,and an abutting member (not specifically labelled in the figures). In anembodiment, the abutting member extends either from the inner tube 404or the outer tube 402, or between the inner tube 404 and the outer tube402. Specifically, the portion of outer tube 402 and the portion ofinner tube 404 extending below the abutting member may be referred asabutting surfaces of the first female interface 502. In one embodiment,the pair of complementary holes are in-line, wherein one complementaryhole of the pair is configured on the portion of outer tube 402 andanother complementary hole is configured on the portion of inner tube404. In an embodiment, the abutting member is orthogonal to at least oneof the inner tube 404 or the outer tube 402. In another embodiment, theabutting member is a groove (not specifically labelled in FIG. 6)extending inward from the outer tube 402.

While mounting the first chimney 400 on the adapter 200, the firstfemale interface 502 partially overlaps the outer wall 202 and the innerwall 204. That is, the abutting surface of the outer tube 402 partiallyoverlaps the outer wall 202 and the abutting surface of the inner tube404 partially overlaps the inner wall 204. Specifically, abuttingsurface of the inner tube 404 makes the drip resistant contact/joint 602with the inner wall 204. More specifically, the second portion 1104 ofthe inner wall 204 makes the drip resistant contact/joint 602 with theabutting surface of the inner tube 404.

In an operative configuration, while the first chimney 400 is beingmounted on the anchor plate adapter 200, the abutting member of thefirst female interface 502 abuts the top surface of the adapter 200. Thefirst female interface 502 is provided with one or more complementaryholes (not specifically labelled in the figures). In an embodiment, thecomplementary holes may be configured on either the inner tube 404 orthe outer tube 402 or both. When the first female interface 502 abutsthe top surface of the adapter 200, the one or more complementary holesconfigured on the first female interface 406 are aligned in-line withthe one or more first locking interfaces 302, thereby enabling passageof the fastener 208 for securely locking and mounting the first chimney400 on the adapter 200. In an embodiment, single complementary hole maybe configured on the first chimney 400, wherein the complementary holeand the first locking interface 302 are in-line.

In another embodiment, while the first chimney 400 is being mounted onthe anchor plate adapter 200, the first female interface 502 abuts thetop surface of the adapter 200. The operator locks and secures thesection of the first chimney 400 on the adapter 200 by means of one ormore Tek screws. The Tek screws are drilled through the inner wall 204and the outer wall 202 of the adapter 200 passing through one or morecomplementary holes configured on the first female interface 502,thereby securely locking and mounting the first chimney 400 on theadapter 200.

Now referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, which depict mounting of the secondchimney 700 or a section of the second chimney 700 on the anchor plateadapter 200, of the present disclosure. The second chimney 700 comprisesan inner tube 704, an outer tube 702, and a second female interface 802.In an embodiment, the second female interface 802 comprises an abuttingmember 902 and one or more inward protruding members 706. In anembodiment, the abutting member 902 extends between the inner tube 704and the outer tube 702. In another embodiment, the abutting member 902extends from either the inner tube 704 or the outer tube 702. Further,the second female interface 802 comprises a portion of the inner tube704 and a portion of the outer tube 702, wherein the portion of theinner tube 704 and the portion of the outer tube 702 extends below theabutting member 902 are referred as abutting surfaces. The second femaleinterface 802 may be configured to twist-and-lock with the adapter 200.In an embodiment, the abutting member 902 is orthogonal to at least oneof the abutting surface of the inner tube 704 or the abutting surface ofthe outer tube 702. In another embodiment, the abutting member 902 maybe in form of a groove extending inwards from the outer tube 702.

During installation, the second female interface 802 partially overlapsthe adapter 200, i.e., the abutting surface of the outer tube 702partially overlaps the outer wall 202 and the abutting surface of theinner tube 704 partially overlaps the inner wall 204. Specifically, theinner tube 704 makes drip resistant contact/joint 602 with the innerwall 204. More specifically, the step riser 205 of the inner wall abutsthe abutting surface of the inner tube 704 to provide the drip resistantcontact/joint 602. As the inner diameter of the second chimney 700 isgreater than the inner diameter of the second portion 1104 extendingfrom the step riser 205.

In an operative configuration, while the second chimney 700 is beingmounted on the anchor plate adapter 200, the second female interface 802abuts the top surface of the adapter 200. Specifically, the abuttingmember 902 abuts the top surface of the adapter 200. One or more secondlocking interfaces 206 may be formed as an elongated protrusion whichmay be curved. The one or more second locking interfaces 206 may allowone or more inward protruding members 706 to twist-and-lock orrotate-and-lock via engagement with the second locking interface(s) 206of the adapter 200.

The first locking interface 302 and the second locking interface 206employ different locking arrangements and at least one of the firstlocking interface 302 or the second locking interface 206 is utilized tosecurely mount the chimney on the anchor plate adapter 200. That is,either the first locking interface 302 may be utilized for securelymounting the chimney or the second locking interface 206 may be utilizedfor securely mounting the chimney. In one non-limiting embodiment, bothfirst and second locking interfaces may be utilized for securelymounting the chimney.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flap 1100may be configured on an operative top of the inner wall 204. In oneembodiment, the flap 1100 may be connected with the top flange 210. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the top surface of the adapter 200 maycomprise of the top flange 210 and the flap 800 of the inner wall 204.

In an embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 is made from a materialcapable of withstanding temperature up to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. Inanother embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 may be made from oneof, but not limited to, stainless steel, Galvanized steel, and aluminum.

It to be noted that, although the anchor plate adapter 200 is shown tohave a circular cross-section. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the cross-section of the anchor plate adapter 200 can beselected from square, rectangle, conic section, hexagon, polygon withrounded vertexes, oval, oblong, or any geometric or non-geometric shape.

In one embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 may comprise a pluralityof locking interfaces. Each locking interface may employ a differentlocking arrangement, and one or more of the plurality of lockinginterfaces may be employed to securely mount a chimney on the anchorplate adapter 200.

In one other embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 may be compatiblewith double tube chimneys, single tube chimneys, type B gas ventswherein inner tube and outer tube are curled together as an integralunit, and the like.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 may beenabled to securely mount chimneys having female interface thatcomprises one or more tubes. In an embodiment, the chimney may besecurely mounted while being coupled with one of the inner wall 204 orthe outer wall 202 of the adapter 200.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 of thepresent disclosure may be compatible with single tube chimneys orchimneys having integral inner tube and outer tube. The tube, of thesingle tube chimneys or chimneys having integral inner tube and outertube, may be mounted on the anchor plate adapter 200, wherein the tubemay abut or partially overlap the outer wall 202 of the anchor plateadapter 200. Further, the chimney may be secured to the anchor plateadapter 200 by utilizing one of the locking interfaces configured on theouter wall 202 of the anchor plate adapter 200.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 of thepresent disclosure is also compatible with a single tube chimney havinga female interface comprising an inner ring and an outer ring. In thisembodiment, the outer ring may partially overlap or abut the outer wall202 of the anchor plate adapter 200; and the inner ring may partiallyoverlap or abut the inner wall 204 of the anchor plate adapter 200. Thesingle tube chimney may be secured to the anchor plate adapter 200 byutilizing one or more locking interfaces configured on the outer wall202 or the inner wall 204 or both.

The present disclosure further envisages a method of manufacturing ananchor plate adapter 200 having an inner wall 204 and an outer wall 202.The method comprising: configuring one or more first locking interfaces302 on the inner wall 204 and the outer wall; and configuring one ormore second locking interfaces 206 on the outer wall 202.

In an embodiment, the first locking interface 302 is one of a pair ofslots, a pair of slits, a pair of holes, a pair of cuts, or anycombination thereof. Preferably, the first locking interface 302 (bestshown in FIG. 3) may be in form of a pair of opposing holes, wherein onehole of the pair is configured on the outer wall 202 and another hole ofthe pair is configured on the inner wall 204. In an embodiment, one holeof the pair of opposing holes is configured on a top portion 1002 of theouter wall 202. The first locking interface 302 facilitates passage of afastener 208.

In yet another embodiment, a method for securely mounting a chimney onan anchor plate adapter is envisaged. The method comprising: abutting afemale interface of the chimney with a top surface of the adapter 200;and engaging the female interface of the chimney with at least one of aplurality of locking interfaces of the adapter 200.

In an embodiment, the anchor plate adapter 200 may comprise a unibodystructure having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outersurface may have a profile similar to the outer wall 202 and the innersurface may have a profile similar to the inner wall 204. In thisembodiment, one or more first locking interfaces 302 extend between theouter surface and the inner surface. Further, one or more second lockinginterfaces 206 is configured on the outer surface. Still further, thefirst locking interface and the second locking interface employdifferent locking arrangements and at least one of the first lockinginterface 302 and the second locking interface 206 is utilized tosecurely mount the chimney on the anchor plate adapter 200. That is,either the first locking interface may be utilized for securely mountingthe chimney or the second locking interface may be utilized for securelymounting the chimney.

In another embodiment, the first locking interface(s) comprises one of aslot, a slit, a hole, a scored section, a sliced section, a cut section,and combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the second locking interface can be protrusion. In onenon-limiting embodiments, the protrusion can be in form of a thread,i.e., a continuous helical ridge formed on the outer surface or theouter wall 202 of the adapter 200.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosureenvisages a method of manufacturing an anchor plate adapter 200 havingan inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the anchor plate adapteris a unibody structure. The method comprising: configuring at least onefirst locking interface 302 in form of a hole extending between theouter surface and the inner surface; and configuring at least one secondlocking interface 206 on the outer surface.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements can bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepscan be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The order of method steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two ormore steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence.Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosenand on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of thedisclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps and decision steps.

1. An anchor plate adapter comprising: an outer circumferential wall; aplurality of first locking interfaces on the outer circumferential wall;and a plurality of second locking interfaces on the outercircumferential wall, the plurality of second locking interfaces beingevenly spaced around the circumference of the outer circumferentialwall, the plurality of second locking interfaces spaced from theplurality of first locking interfaces, wherein the first lockinginterfaces and the second locking interface employ different lockingarrangements, and one of the first locking interface and the secondlocking interface is utilized to securely mount a chimney on the anchorplate adapter.
 2. The anchor plate adapter of claim 1, wherein theanchor plate adapter includes an inner wall spaced from the outercircumferential wall, and wherein each of the first locking interfacecomprises a pair of opposing holes with one of said holes on said outercircumferential wall and the other of said holes on said inner wall. 3.The anchor plate adapter of claim 2, wherein the pair of opposing holesis aligned with one or more complementary holes configured on thechimney to facilitate passage of a fastener, wherein the chimneyincludes a first portion adjacent to the outer circumferential wall anda second portion adjacent to the inner wall, the adapter insertedbetween the first and second portions of the chimney.
 4. The anchorplate adapter of claim 1, wherein each of the first locking interfacescomprises one of a slot, a slit, a hole, a scored section, a slicedsection, a cut section, and any combination thereof.
 5. The anchor plateadapter of claim 1, wherein each of the second locking interfaces is aprotrusion.
 6. The anchor plate adapter of claim 5, wherein at least oneof the second locking interfaces engages with an inward protrusionconfigured on an abutting surface of the chimney.
 7. The anchor plateadapter of claim 1, wherein the anchor plate adapter makes a dripresistant contact with the chimney.
 8. The anchor plate adapter of claim1, wherein an inner surface of the anchor plate adapter has a stepprofile.
 9. The anchor plate adapter of claim 8, wherein the stepprofile enables mounting of the chimneys having different inner tubediameter.
 10. An anchor plate adapter having an inner wall and an outerwall, the anchor plate adapter comprising a plurality of lockinginterfaces including a first locking interface and a second lockinginterface, wherein the first locking interface employs a differentlocking arrangement than the second locking interface, and wherein thefirst locking interface includes a first portion on the outer wall and asecond portion on the inner wall, the first portion aligned with thesecond portion to receive a fastener extending through the first portionand the second portion, the inner wall including a step risertransitioning the inner wall from a first diameter to a second diameter,and one or more of the plurality of locking interfaces is utilized tosecurely mount a chimney on the anchor plate adapter with a firstportion of the chimney adjacent the outer wall and a second portion ofthe chimney adjacent the inner wall such that the adapter is insertedbetween the first and second portions of the chimney.
 11. An anchorplate adapter having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from theinner wall, comprising: a first locking interface located on the innerwall and the outer wall, the first locking interface including a firstportion on the outer wall and a second portion on the inner wall, thefirst portion aligned with the second portion to receive a fastenerextending through the first portion and the second portion; and a secondlocking interface located on the outer wall, the outer wall having acircumference, the second locking interface including a plurality ofprotrusions extending outwardly from the outer wall, the protrusionsbeing evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer wall, theprotrusions spaced from the plurality of first locking interfaces;wherein one of the first locking interface and the second lockinginterface is utilized to securely mount a chimney on the anchor plateadapter.
 12. The anchor plate adapter of claim 11, wherein the firstlocking interface is a pair of opposing holes.
 13. (canceled)
 14. Theanchor plate adapter of claim 12, wherein the pair of opposing holes isaligned with one or more complementary holes provided on the chimney tofacilitate passage of a fastener.
 15. The anchor plate adapter of claim11, wherein the first locking interface comprises one of a slot, a slit,a hole, a scored section, a sliced section, a cut section, and anycombination thereof.
 16. The anchor plate adapter of claim 11, whereinthe inner wall makes a drip resistant contact with the chimney.
 17. Theanchor plate adapter of claim 11, wherein the inner wall has a stepprofile.
 18. The anchor plate adapter of claim 17, wherein the innerwall with step profile enables mounting of the chimneys having differentinner tube diameter.
 19. The anchor plate adapter of claim 11, whereinthe second locking interface engages with an inward protrusionconfigured on an abutting surface of the chimney.
 20. The anchor plateadapter of claim 11, wherein the anchor plate adapter is made from oneof stainless steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum.